EXCITING NEWS!🥳 We’ve launched our brand-new WRC A WaterWise Nation TV commercial! A WaterWise Nation is a national movement led by the Water Research Commission calling on every South African from industries to households to rethink, reduce, and respect water. ✅Build resilient businesses ✅Create water-smart homes & schools ✅Empower change through education ✅Protect our shared future Keep your eyes peeled on DSTV for the two weeks. Be part of the movement Act Today, Sustain Tomorrow wrc.org.za/a-water-wise-nati… #WRC #SaveWater #AWaterWiseNationTV #WaterCrisis #WaterSavingTips #WaterCrisis #SmartWaterHack #ActTodaySustainTomorrow

As the 8th RD20 Conference concluded, Prof. Sylvester Mpandeli, Senior Research Manager: Water Use at the Water Research Commission (WRC), underscored the critical role of research partnerships in translating scientific knowledge into meaningful societal impact. Addressing delegates at the closing dinner hosted by the CSIR, Prof. Mpandeli highlighted the need to strengthen the link between research, policy and implementation through integrated approaches across the water, energy and agricultural sectors. He called on research institutions and strategic partners across Africa and beyond to break down silos, invest in human capital development and ensure that research contributes to economic growth while helping to address poverty, unemployment and inequality. He further emphasised the value of collaboration between established institutions and emerging researchers to build capacity and develop innovative, sustainable solutions to shared challenges, including climate change. Reaffirming the WRC's commitment to partnership-driven impact, Prof. Mpandeli expressed appreciation to the CSIR and its leadership for creating a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. He concluded with a powerful reminder that research must extend beyond laboratories to improve lives and ensure that no one is left behind. #RD20Conference #WRC #ResearchForImpact #ScienceAndInnovation

After a packed week of learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration, the Indaba concluded with a strong reminder that communities are at the heart of conservation. Chaired by Bonani Madikizela, WRC Senior Research Manager, the closing session on Citizen Conservation and Community Stewardship showcased inspiring stories of communities restoring rivers, protecting wetlands and transforming urban spaces into thriving natural habitats. The session highlighted how local action and community stewardship are making a tangible difference in protecting South Africa’s wetlands and biodiversity. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the power of collective action in safeguarding our shared environmental heritage. #WetlandsIndaba2026 #CitizenConservation #CommunityStewardship #WetlandsMatter #WetlandConservation

Supporting future PhD researchers through ERAP 2026/27. 🎓 Apply now.  #ResearchExcellence #waterresearch #WRC55

Celebrating Emerging Wetland Research Excellence At the National Wetlands Indaba 2026 in Langebaan, the Water Research Commission proudly recognises outstanding young researchers whose work is advancing our understanding of South Africa’s vital wetland and catchment ecosystems.   1st Place Flash Talk Award went to Ms Tippi Swales from Stellenbosch University for her presentation: "Evaluating Wetland Health and Potential Ecosystem Service Provision in Valley-Bottom Wetlands in the Stellenbosch and Drakenstein Municipalities."   1st Place Oral Presentation Award was awarded to Mrs Kayla Schoenknecht from the University of the Western Cape for her presentation: "Catchment-Scale Geomorphic Response to the 2023 Flood Event in the Bot River Catchment, Western Cape."   Congratulations to both recipients on this well-deserved achievement. Your research is helping shape a water-secure future for all.   #NationalWetlandsIndaba2026 #WRC #WetlandsMatter #WaterResearch #ScienceForImpact #WaterSecurity #FutureWaterLeaders #WetlandConservation #ResearchExcellence

Earlier today, Jay Bhagwan, Senior Research Manager at the Water Research Commission (WRC), delivered an insightful presentation titled “Unconventional Hydropower: The Hidden Opportunity - South African Experiences” at the 8th RD20 Conference, currently underway at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.  The presentation highlighted South Africa's significant untapped hydropower potential and explored how existing water infrastructure, including municipal water distribution networks, dams, and inter-basin water transfer schemes, can be leveraged to generate clean, renewable energy. A key focus was on innovative technologies such as conduit hydropower, which harnesses the continuous flow of water within existing systems to strengthen energy resilience while improving infrastructure efficiency.  Drawing on practical South African case studies, including Bloemwater's Brandkop Reservoir project, hydropower feasibility studies within the City of Tshwane, and run-of-river hydropower initiatives in Mhlontlo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the presentation demonstrated how smarter water management can unlock sustainable solutions at the nexus of water security, renewable energy generation, and infrastructure development.  #RD20Conference #Hydropower #RenewableEnergy #WaterSecurity #Sustainability

Connecting minds. Collaborating for impact. Conserving our wetlands. The National Wetlands Indaba 2026 provides a platform for thought leaders, researchers and practitioners to share insights, showcase innovations and drive solutions for the sustainable management of wetlands across South Africa. #NWI2026 #WetlandsMatter #WaterResearch #EnvironmentalStewardship

As one of the sponsors of the National Wetlands Indaba 2026, the Water Research Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable management of South Africa’s wetlands through a keynote address delivered by Acting Executive: Research Development & Innovation, Dr Shafick Adams. He emphasised that lasting wetland solutions require integrated expertise, community knowledge, practical monitoring, shared learning and partnerships that continue beyond individual projects. The message is clear: protecting wetlands can not wait. Researchers, practitioners, communities, municipalities, decisionmakers and funders must work together now to turn evidence into action, strengthen stewardship and safeguard wetland systems for future generations. The WRC remains committed to supporting research, capacity development, and partnerships that advance water security, ecological resilience and sustainable wetland management across South Africa. #WetlandsIndaba2026 #WaterResearchCommission #Wetlands #WaterSecurity #ResearchForImpact

South African excellence takes centre stage. Congratulations to the SANCID team for showcasing our water heritage and expertise on a global platform. 🇿🇦 In the words of WRC Senior Research Manager: Water Use, Prof Sylvester Mpandeli “As SANCID leadership, it has been our goal to put South Africa on the map.” 🌍 #LeadershipInWater #ProudlySouthAfrican #WaterHeritage #GlobalAwards #SANCID

Celebrating excellence at the SER Symposium. The WRC congratulates Tshepang Tlali (Rhodes University)on receiving the Best Student Oral Presentation Award and Bheka Nxele (Stellenbosch University) for being named Runner-Up Best Student Oral Presentation. Their achievements reflect the calibre of emerging researchers contributing to scientific advancement and innovation. We also extend our sincere appreciation to SER for recognising symposium speakers with a commemorative gift. Bonani Madikizela accepted the gift on behalf of Prof Stanley Liphadzi in absentia. #WRC #SERSymposium #ResearchExcellence #StudentAchievement #FutureScientists

[PICTURED] WRC Delegation and 10 students supported by the WRC to attend and participate in the Africa Ecosystem Restoration 2026 Symposium

A defining moment for Africa's restoration movement. At the Africa Ecosystem Restoration Symposium, Mr Bonani Madikizela challenged delegates to move from knowledge to implementation, emphasising that research must create real impact in communities. Recognised for his pioneering role in the ecosystem restoration movement and the establishment of SER Africa, he highlighted the need to empower communities through citizen science, identify critical research gaps, and strengthen partnerships to restore wetlands and ecosystems. With Africa facing escalating biodiversity loss, land degradation and growing environmental pressures, the message was clear: restoration is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic opportunity. Restore ecosystems. Restore livelihoods. Build local economies. #SERAfrica #AfricaRestoration #CitizenScience #WRC #EcosystemRestoration

Ready to help shape the future of municipal infrastructure? Join the NAFSAT Workshop ahead of the IMESA Conference and connect with experts driving innovation, sustainability and service delivery excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and collaborate with leading stakeholders in the sector. #NaFSAT #IMESA2026 #SustainableInfrastructure #WaterSector #WRC

A strong start to #SER2026!  The inaugural Africa Ecosystem Restoration Symposium officially opened at 26° South, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, with inspiring remarks from Dr Mlungele Nsikani, Ms Dansile Cindi, Lynnette Munro, Dr Maahlo (WRC) and the CEO of SANBI. WRC is proud to join delegates, partners and stakeholders from across the sector as we contribute to advancing research, innovation and sustainable solutions that support ecosystem restoration and a resilient future.  #SER2026 #WRC #OpeningCeremony #EcosystemRestoration #Sustainability

SASTEP shortlisted for WOLL of the Year Award 2026 The Water Research Commission (WRC) is proud to announce that the South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) has been shortlisted for the Water-Oriented Living Lab (WOLL) of the Year Award 2026. The award recognises a WOLL that demonstrates outstanding impact in turning water innovation into real-world, scalable solutions through collaboration between government, industry, academia, communities and other stakeholders. SASTEP’s shortlisting recognises its role in creating an ecosystem that moves sanitation innovation from research and demonstration towards implementation, adoption, replication and scale. Through partnerships and real-world demonstration, SASTEP has supported the advancement of water-efficient, decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable sanitation sector. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the WRC, government partners, municipalities, technology developers, researchers, industry, communities and other stakeholders who continue to work together to accelerate innovation and transform the way sanitation services are delivered. A proud moment for South Africa and for the growing African water innovation community. #WRC #SASTEP #WPO #WOLLOftheYear #WaterEurope #WaterInnovation #LivingLabs #SanitationInnovation #WESS #NonSeweredSanitation #WaterResilience #CircularEconomy #Innovation #SystemicTransformation #SouthAfrica #Africa

This week marked another successful year of the Water Research Commission (WRC)'s support for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)'s Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) Awards in Benoni, Gauteng. The event brought together learners from across South Africa to celebrate excellence and spark greater interest in careers within the water sector. Team members also engaged with learners on career opportunities in research, science, technology, and sustainable water management. Dr. Mamohloding Maahlo, Acting Executive for Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, reaffirmed the WRC's commitment to youth development and water education. As the organisation celebrates 55 years of advancing water research in South Africa, she highlighted the importance of building a climate-resilient future, empowering young people, and inspiring learners to become champions of responsible water use within their communities. As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and education, the WRC sponsored laptops for deserving students, equipping them with valuable tools to support their academic journeys and future aspirations.  Mr David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), congratulated the learners and thanked the schools and partners whose contributions helped make this year's event a success. He encouraged students to continue striving for excellence as future scientists, innovators, and leaders, underscoring the importance of community action, technological innovation, and everyday conservation in safeguarding South Africa's water resources.  Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of water sector professionals and building a water-secure future for all. #WSEP2026 #WRC55 #YouthDevelopment #WaterEducation #WaterWise #Innovation #ScienceAndTechnology #WaterResearch #BuildingAWaterSecureNation

Day 2 of the DWS WSEP National Adjudication was another day of insightful presentations, innovative projects and inspiring performances on water conservation and sustainability. We applaud all participants for their commitment to creating a water-secure future for generations to come.  #WSEP2026 #DWS #WaterConservation #WaterWise #Sustainability #EducationForChange